Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Nicotine nasal

Nicotine nasal Drug Category NICOTINE - NASAL

Nicotine nasal Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. NICOTINE - NASAL (NICK-oh-teen) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nicotrol NS USES: This medication is used to help quit smoking. Nicotine is the active ingredient in tobacco. This drug should be used in combination with a complete stop-smoking program. HOW TO USE: This medication is used as a nasal spray, along with a complete stop-smoking program. It is important to stop smoking completely when starting this product, to avoid nicotine excess. Do not sniff, swallow or inhale through the nose as you use the spray. Your head should be tilted back slightly. Follow all instructions and learn proper technique for use. Generally, the dose starts at 2 to 4 sprays per hour, which may be increased up to 80 sprays (about one-half bottle) per day. For best results, use at least 16 sprays per day or as directed. Your dose will need to be adjusted to your particular needs, including smoking and medical history details. Generally, treatment is for 8 weeks, and the dosage is slowly decreased over the next 4-6 weeks. Treatment for longer than 6 months is typically not recommended, but consult your doctor. SIDE EFFECTS: Nasal irritation, blistering or tingling, runny or bloody nose, throat irritation, watering eyes, sneezing, cough, change in taste or smell may occur. If these persist or worsen after a week, notify your doctor promptly. Very unlikely but report promptly: unusual chest pain or tightness, one-sided muscle weakness or speech problems, trouble breathing, rash. Symptoms related to nicotine excess include fast heartbeat, nausea and sweating. Withdrawal of nicotine too quickly may result in mood changes (irritability etc.). Notify your doctor promptly if these occur and your dose can be modified. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), chronic nasal disorders, asthma, heart problems, kidney problems, liver disease, blood vessel disorders, thyroid disease (hyperthyroid), pheochromocytoma, intestinal ulcers, high blood pressure, diabetes. Since nicotine is addictive, you can become dependent on the nasal spray during treatment, so follow all instructions for use. If this drug contacts the skin, lips, mouth, eyes or ears, rinse the affected area immediately with water. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of: adrenergic-blockers (e.g., prazosin, doxazosin, labetalol, carvedilol, propranolol), adrenergic drugs (e.g., phenylephrine, xylometazoline, isoproterenol), caffeine, acetaminophen, oxazepam, imipramine, pentazocine, theophylline. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea; vomiting; excessive saliva; stomach pain; sweating; headache; dizziness; confusion; weakness; fainting; difficulty breathing; seizures; rapid, weak, or irregular heartbeat; blurred vision; diarrhea; and hearing problems. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature at or below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.